way. He at once saw by her face, so sincere and loving, that nothing whatever would result from his determination; yet he felt an urgent need of being reassured from her own lips.
"I came to tell you that it is not yet too late; that everything can even now be taken back."
"What? I do not understand. What is the matter with thee?"
"I am — as I have said and thought a thousand times before — I am not worthy of you. You once could not consent to marry me. Think of it! Perhaps you are mistaken now. Think of it well. You cannot love me ....if.... it is better to acknowledge it," he continued, without looking at her. "I shall be miserable, but no matter; let people say what they please; anything is better than unhappiness! .... But anything is better now, while there is yet time ...."
"I do not understand you," she replied, frightened. "You mean you want to take back your word .... break off our...."
"Yes, if you do not love me."
"You must be insane!" she exclaimed, red with vexation. But the sight of Levin's piteous face arrested her anger; and pushing the frocks from one of the chairs, she sat down near him.
"What are you thinking of? Tell me all."
"I think that you cannot love me. Why should you love me?"
"Bozhe moï! what can I do?" .... said she; and she burst into tears.
"Akh! what have I done?" he cried instantly, and throwing himself on his knees, he covered her hands with kisses.
When the princess came into the room five minutes later, she found them completely reconciled. Kitty had not only convinced him of her love, but in answer to his question she had explained to him why she loved him. She said that she loved him because she understood him perfectly; because she knew that he could love, and that all he loved was good and beautiful.
